COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: Cases of Omicron variant reported on-reserve

The number of active COVID-19 cases on First Nations in Canada is up slightly in comparison to last week, and cases due to the Omicron variant have been detected on reserves.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) said as of Dec. 16, it was aware of eight confirmed cases due to the Omicron variant on reserve: two in Eastern Canada and six in Western Canada.

According to data from ISC, there were 939 active cases of COVID-19 reported in First Nations as of Dec. 15. This is up slightly from the 906 active cases reported the previous week, following weeks of decline.

In the week of Dec. 5-11, First Nations in Ontario recorded the highest number of active cases among the provinces with 217, Manitoba recording 148 and British Columbia recording 103 cases.

As of Dec. 15, there have been 51,794 total cases in First Nations communities. To date there have been 553 deaths, 2,388 total hospitalizations, and 50,302 recovered cases.

Heading into holidays

Dr. Marcia Anderson, one of the leaders of Manitoba's First Nations Pandemic Response Team, said people should be cautious as they prepare for the holiday season.

"We continue to see cases due to Delta [variant] at this time," she said.

"But what I think First Nations people and communities need to be aware of is the Omicron variant spreads faster than any previous variant of COVID that we've had."

She is encouraging anyone eligible to receive a booster shot to make their appointment as soon as possible.

Anderson said people should re-consider non-essential travel as well as larger indoor gatherings and is encouraging people to reduce the number of close contacts outside of their home.

Anderson said new monoclonal antibody treatment is expected to be more widely available in the near future.

"The first oral antiviral treatments are expected to be approved in Canada sometime in January, potentially," said Anderson.

She said monoclonal antibody treatment is already being given in some cases in Canada already and that the treatment reduces the chances of hospitalization. 

Anderson expects the treatment to be available in Manitoba First Nations within the next week.

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Vaccination numbers in First Nations and Inuit communities

A total of 942,383 vaccine doses have been administered to individuals aged 12 years and older in 687 First Nations and Inuit communities as of Dec. 14. Of that number, 390,100 were second doses and 64,673 were third doses.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19? 

• New or worsening cough.

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

• Temperature equal to or over 38 C.

• Feeling feverish.

• Chills.

• Fatigue or weakness.

• Muscle or body aches.

• New loss of smell or taste.

• Headache.

• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting.

• Feeling very unwell.

If you think you might have COVID-19, please consult your local health department to book an appointment at a screening clinic.